The inaugural Jersey City Apartment Owners Association Honors Awards ceremony is taking place Thursday evening and there’s still time to grab your tickets to join in celebrating excellence in the multifamily business community in Jersey City.
This event is set to take place from 6-8 p.m. at the Sophia Rooftop.
The evening will highlight and celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals who have made significant impacts in the multifamily sector.
These awards spotlight excellence and success within the industry. The distinguished honorees are being recognized for their excellence in each of the following categories:
- Affordable Housing: Eugene O’Connell, Cara Squared LLC;
- Sustainability: Anna Malhari, Veris Residential;
- Building Trades: Pat Kelleher, Hudson County Building & Construction Trades Council;
- Philanthropy: Joseph Panepinto Sr., Panepinto Properties.
“As one of the fastest-growing cities in America, housing is a keystone to enabling
Jersey City to reach its fullest potential,” JCAOA board President Jeremy Farrell said. “This growth has led to unprecedented demand for housing that is only going to become greater as we look to the future. The event represents the first time that we are recognizing contributions from people that have helped to meet the tremendous housing demands of Jersey City.”
The honorees
Affordable Housing: Eugene O’Connell, Cara Squared LLC
O’Connell, a renowned attorney, developer, master Mason and president of Cara Squared, is the recipient of the Affordable Housing award. With a long and illustrious career dedicated to real estate development and municipal law, O’Connell’s significant achievements include the development of over 1,200 units of affordable housing in New Jersey. Notably, he completed the award-winning 306 Bergen Avenue Apartments and Ocean Green Senior Apartments, a 44-unit building providing housing for seniors and clients with special needs. O’Connell has been recognized by the White House and received numerous accolades from Hudson County, the city of Jersey City, the state of New Jersey and other entities.
Sustainability: Anna Malhari, Veris Residential
Malhari, serving as chief operating officer at Veris Residential, has been honored with the Sustainability award. She has been a driving force behind the firm’s various sustainability efforts at both the property and corporate levels. Under her leadership, Veris Residential became the first U.S. real estate company to endorse the Climate Group’s EV100 initiatives and achieved the WELL Equity Rating portfoliowide, making a significant impact on the sustainability landscape. Malhari’s dedication and commitment to sustainability have garnered her recognition.
Building Trades: Pat Kelleher, Hudson County Building & Construction Trades Council
Kelleher, president of the Hudson County Building and Construction Trades Council, has been honored for his outstanding contributions to the Building Trades category. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the interests of building trades and
construction in Hudson County. Kelleher’s contributions have played a pivotal role in the
growth and development of the region’s construction industry.
Philanthropy: Joseph Panepinto Sr., Panepinto Properties
Panepinto has been recognized for his exceptional record of service and support for Saint Peter’s University. Over more than 50 years, Panepinto has demonstrated unwavering dedication as an alumnus, benefactor and member of its board of trustees. His latest honor includes the naming of a recently completed 285-bed dormitory on Montgomery Street as Panepinto Hall, a testament to his profound commitment to the revitalization of Jersey City and charitable giving, particularly in higher education.
For more information and to reserve your spot, please click here.
